Speaking with Genesis’s vice president of design, Luc Donckerwolke, about the sports car, Wheels garnered a “we are definitely doing it.” Furthermore, the automaker’s vice president of research and design, Woong-chul Yang, described the project as “something our brand needs at this time.” The R&D chief elaborated that such a vehicle would prioritize electrification and battery power over a big ol’ internal-combustion engine. Yang also noted that the car’s development likely will be spearheaded by Albert Biermann, the leader of Hyundai’s nascent N performance division and former head of BMW’s M division.

So far the sports car’s ideation is just that, and both Donckerwolke and Yang told Wheels that the car hasn’t left the design stage yet. That means the car is probably years away from seeing the light of day. In the meantime, Genesis has its work cut out launching the new G70 sports sedan as well as several SUVs and a new sports coupe. No question, however: A halo sports car with an advanced powertrain would elevate the brand’s station.